Steppin' Out

November 14, 2016
Oliver and dePaola accentuate the positive in this follow-up to 2014’s Little Poems for Tiny Ears, which features 19 original poems about moments common to the lives of many children, including outings to the mall, beach, and barbershop, as well as time spent with family. In a welcoming opening touch, a gatefold lets readers open one child’s front door as the action moves outdoors: “Step outside and poke around—/ See the sights, hear the sounds./ Grab a hand and come with me./ Let’s go see what we can see.” Subsequent poems are similarly buoyant, and if there’s a drawback to this collection, it’s that there isn’t much emotional range: Oliver’s young cast, painted by dePaola with characteristic warmth and in an array of ethnic backgrounds, are resolutely cheerful, generous, and curious. One boy enjoys “snuggly Grandpa cuddles” after splashing around in the rain with his elder, while a redheaded girl, allowed to choose one item at the mall, immediately shares the fuzzy pink koala with her baby sister. These are happy poems for similarly upbeat kids. Ages 3–5.

November 15, 2016
The babies from Little Poems for Tiny Ears (2014) grow into toddlers and explore their world.Nineteen poems follow youngsters as they swing open the front door (a nifty, unexpected gatefold) and step outside to see what awaits. Alas, this collection does not have the same liveliness as Oliver's previous one. Short verses still have snap: "The swing / Is a fling / In / The / Air." But longer ones seem forced, as when the black librarian exclaims, "So many kinds of stories / Are there for you to find. / A book's a special treasure / To delight your busy mind." A multiracial cast of tots explore a set of toddler-specific experiences: a first haircut ("She holds my hand and we begin. / Snip, snip, snip--and then a trim"), the unjustness of a one-toy limit at the store ("When we go shopping in the mall, / I look around and want it all!"), a sandbox skirmish ("When he bent down and grabbed my shovel / I knew that we were in for trouble"). DePaola's trademark palette warms and brightens, but too many joyful moments are replaced with explanatory verses, adult-delivered information sadly substituting for discovery. Perhaps an accurate portrayal of toddler life but missing a bit of wonder. (Picture book/poetry. 2-5)

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December 15, 2016
Preschool-K This playful collection of 19 original rhymes touches on common toddler experiences that range from visiting the library to riding an elevator to shopping with Mommy. The poems are short enough for young audiences and demonstrate a pleasing mix of meters and rhymes, resulting in varied selections. The verses also evoke emotions and the senses as they celebrate outside sounds, the taste of Sunday pancakes, and the feel of a rainy day at Grandpa's. DePaola's signature acrylic artwork appears on every page, depicting happy multicultural children engaged in diverse activities. The illustrations employ great variety, keeping each page interesting. For instance, a double-page spread paints an inviting ocean scene in A Beachy Day, while Family Day utilizes a photo-album layout, and Steppin' Out expands horizontally when readers open a big, red door. The collection closes at Day's End, observing, Every day is full of fun, / And tomorrow is another one! A great follow-up to this duo's earlier collaboration, Little Poems for Tiny Ears (2014), this child-friendly anthology should have broad appeal.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2017
The poem "Steppin' Out" invites readers and listeners into this cheerful collection of rhyming poems ("Grab a hand and come with me. / Let's go see what we can see"). Topics are homey and familiar, including visiting relatives, going to the playground, and special Sunday breakfasts. DePaola's Crayola-bright acrylics feature a multiethnic cast of happy tots and nicely synch with Oliver's upbeat poetry.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)